Ricky Schramm: Fordham Prep grad scores with Hoyas

Nov. 9, 2005

RICKY SCHRAMM / Georgetown University photo

Written by

JOE LOMBARDI

THE JOURNAL NEWS

When Georgetown's Ricky Schramm reflects on the fact he's the reigning Big East men's soccer offensive player of the year, he seems more impressed by those who won the honor before him.

First there was Damani Ralph from Connecticut, who was the recipient in 2002 before breaking the MLS rookie scoring record,

Then there was Rutgers' Josh Gros, the 2003 winner, who has started for DC United the last two years.

"They are absolutely unreal players," said Schramm, a junior forward from Eastchester who has scored 29 goals in 60 collegiate games. "To be in that category is pretty awesome."

That the 5-foot-11, 155-pound Schramm won the award as a sophomore — when he led the Big East in goals (13) and points (32) — makes his feat even more impressive.

"In terms of my performance, was I surprised? No," said Schramm, who ended his three-year varsity career at Fordham Prep with 70 goals. "I'm a strong believer in that you know what you're capable of. I wasn't surprised, but was lucky enough for it to happen here. As a forward, if you don't score in each game, you're annoyed, and that still hasn't changed."

Schramm was Georgetown's leading scorer for the second straight year this season, finishing with seven goals and two assists for 16 points.

Schramm and the Hoyas fell to seventh-ranked UConn 5-0 Sunday in the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament. The Hoyas (10-9-1) likely had to advance to at least the semifinals to have a shot at an NCAA tournament bid. Georgetown had beaten Villanova 3-0 in penalty kicks in the opening round.

Despite his impressive point production over three college seasons, Schramm quickly learned there's more to the college game than just scoring.

"The thing about college soccer is if you work hard, you can make a difference," Schramm said. "It's an athletic game. It's not as skilled as overseas. That's just the way American soccer is played."

After starting 14 of 19 games as a freshman, finishing with nine goals and three assists, Schramm improved his game and put it all together last season.

"Above all, I started thinking more about the game," he said. "Being a student of the game is what I've gotten out of my past two years. Our coach, Keith Tabatznik, is big on being a student of the game. One of the things I've had to improve upon was better decision-making on the field."

Schramm always had the physical tools and a nose for the net — going back to his days at Tuckahoe Middle School. Schramm, who started in the sport at age 6, went on to play club soccer for an FC Westchester 1985-86 team that included several other current college players.

"I've always been pretty fast," he said. "That's always been a strength. There are a lot of fast guys around, but I still have a little bit of an edge. I also have that sense of where to be. A lot of my goals aren't the prettiest to see, but I'm able to find the ball."